Attitude, knowledge, and barriers towards research analysis and writing in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Conducting research requires the integration of certain levels of practice and knowledge, together with the right attitude. This study aimed to investigate the attitude, knowledge, and barriers regarding research analysis and writing among medical residents in Saudi Arabia Methods: This was an online-based cross-sectional study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Our targeted population was Saudi medical residents who were enrolled in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Data were analyzed and compared to determine associations between the patients’ demographics and attitude, knowledge, and barriers Results: A total of 218 participants were ultimately included in the present study, with a mean age of 29 (± 2.6) years, and most participants (63.3%) had a previous research publication. Specialty and level of residency were the only significant factors that were associated with attitude ( P = 0.023 and 0.046, respectively). Specialty and having previously published a research paper were the only factors that were associated with the knowledge scores ( P = 0.001 and 0.0001, respectively). On the contrary, specialty was the only significant factor that was associated with barriers scores ( P = 0.001). Regarding attitude scores, most residents (60.1%) had 26%–50%, while only 0.9% had >75% of the total score. Regarding knowledge scores, 38.1% of residents had ≤25% and only 7.8% had >75% of the total scores. Regarding barriers, most residents (73.4%) had 26%–50%, while none had >75% of the total scores Conclusion: Reduced awareness regarding research methodology in our population implies that further education measures should be undertaken.

Should a Scientific Publication be a Prerequisite to Graduate from Medical School?

“…Iqra Nawaz, 1 Jonaviva Anthony Thomas, 2 Prakash Gupta, 3 Duha Shellah, 4 Mihnea-Alexandru Găman, 5 Juan C. Puyana, 6 Francisco J. Bonilla-Escobar. 7 Medical research serves as a pivot upon which the advancement of clinical practice oscillates.…”

“…By keeping up with recent advancements, students remain updated about current guidelines and treatment procedures. 3 Furthermore, involvement of medical students in research projects during early years in medical schools is also positively associated with sustained publication after graduation. 4 Also, this undergraduate research experience enhances their inclination towards pursuing an academic medical career and enrolling in prestigious academic programs and specialties.…”

The Barriers of Conducting Medical Research in Saudi Arabia: A Review

“…To keep the research cycle moving, in addition to motivating students in health sectors to do so as well. Evidences suggest that postgraduate medical trainees who participate in adequate research activities have better critical thinking skills, medical supervision, and lifelong learning [3,4]. Since replacing the individualized, unsystematic decisions in clinical practice in 1992, evidence-based medicine has been the accepted approach to patient care.5 Clinical research is the foundation of evidence-based medicine and a key to providing the best possible care for patients [6][7][8].…”

“…A cross-sectional study conducted in a military hospital in Saudi Arabia found that most of the general practitioners who were included in the study had no research publications and were not working on any research projects, despite the fact that most of them had positive attitudes [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. For example, the field of family medicine is still developing and is a relatively new one in Saudi Arabia.…”